HP Unveils EliteBook Mobile Workstations

HP EliteBook 8460w

Hewlett-Packard has introduced a line of mobile workstations that are more durable than previous models and provide additional storage options.

The new HP EliteBook w-series includes the 17.3-inch 8760w, the 15.6-inch 8560w, and the 14-inch 8460w. The products are the first with HP's industrial design has a distinctive radial-brushed gunmetal finish, a backlit jewel log, and orange-colored accents.

The 8760w has the biggest graphics punch with the choice of an AMD FirePro or Nvidia Quadro professional graphics and up to 4 GB of video memory. The desktop-replacement model can be configured with three hard drives and RAID 5 support. The latter is a first for HP mobile workstations.

The 8560w provides the option of FirePro graphics for 1 GB of video memory or Nvidia Quadro for 2 GB. The 8560w and its bigger brother are available with HP's DreamColor display, which provides more than 1 billion color possibilities.

The 8460w is HP's smallest and lightest mobile workstation. The system starts at just less than five pounds and comes with a 1 GB FirePro.

The latest portable workstations are targeted at designers, animators, and engineers. "As the fastest growing segment of the workstation market, mobile workstations continue to provide value," Efrain Rovira, director of mobile workstations for HP, said in a statement.

All three systems have aluminum-alloy hinges and cast titanium-alloy display latches for more durability than previous EliteBook workstations. The latest products are available with either a second-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 quad-core processor, which provides enough computing power to handle 3-D professional applications. In addition, the systems support up to 32 GB of system memory and the AMD or Nvidia graphics can power up to five independent displays.

Storage capacity options include SATA hard drives or solid-state drives, with up to RAID 5 capability. Available ports include USB 3.0, eSATA, and USB 2.0. The 8760w and 8560w are available with an eight-cell primary battery, while the 8460w comes with either a six- or nine-cell battery.

The new systems are scheduled to be available in the U.S. in May. Prices start at $1,899 for the 8760w, $1,349 for the 8560w, and $1,299 for the 8460w.